Water Quality and Agriculture

Status, Conditions, and Trends

National opinion surveys reflect the public's concern that sediment from agricultural land, pesticides, and fertilizers from animal wastes and chemical applications may be contributing to surface and ground water pollution. This publication documents the national and regional status of and trends in water quality from the early 1980s to the early 1990s relative to these agricultural substances. It sets the stage for subsequent analysis of projected resource conditions under alternative social, economic, and environmental policies.